FTC Bans NGL Labs From Offering Anonymous Messaging App to Minors

The app ban and $5 million settlement followed the company’s ’reckless disregard' for children’s safety, FTC Chair Lina M. Khan said.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) building in Washington, on Sept. 19, 2006. Paul J. Richards/AFP via Getty Images

California-based NGL Labs has been banned from offering its anonymous messaging app to individuals under the age of 18 because of numerous alleged violations, including allegedly subjecting minors to a considerable risk of bullying.

It is the first time federal regulators have banned a digital platform from hosting minors. The company will pay $5 million to settle a lawsuit brought by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, the agency announced on July 9.